COLOSSIANS 4:13

“For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.”

Raise your hand if you like pain. What? No one? I suffer from pain in my feet from neuropathy. It hurts to walk sometimes and forget about walking barefooted. Ouch! Why am I talking about pain? Because the word “concern” used in today’s verse can be translated as “pain.” That’s the depth of Epaphras’ concern for these believers. He actually was hurting for them.

Paul only used that Greek word once, right here. The other three times it is used in the New Testament, John used it. All three times he used it was in Revelation. We’ll see those below.

I am sure Epaphras shared with Paul his deep concern for these Christians in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Paul wanted to share this with the Colossians to show them Epaphras’ heart. It was real!

APPLICATION

In Revelation 16:10-11, John uses this word in a very negative way, referring to the unbelievers and what they will face in the last days. “10 And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, 11 and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pain and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds.”

Oh, but then John gives us all hope. I just love this verse. Revelation 21:4 says, “and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” What a great promise. I can’t wait. I have known a lot of people who lived with pain in their earthly life who are now pain free.

How’s your pain for others? Do you have a deep concern that is so deep that it hurts? I want to be like Epaphras. I want to show others that kind of love. What stops me? My flesh! That has to die. I can’t love others like Jesus (or Epaphras) if I am looking out for myself. Will you join me?

Father, kill my flesh and let me love others with a deep painful concern.